What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microperimetry-based fixation training in improving visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

April 1, 2026Open Access

Microperimetry-Based Fixation Training in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microperimetry-based fixation training in improving visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
Conducted a prospective study involving 25 patients with age-related macular degeneration.
Utilized MAIA II microperimeter to assess scotoma size, retinal sensitivity, and fixation parameters.
Performed 10 fixation training sessions targeting the eye with better visual acuity.
Post-training assessments were completed on both trained and untrained eyes.
Significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity in trained eyes (mean change −0.14 logMAR, p < 0.001).
Untrained eyes also showed improvement in visual acuity (−0.16 logMAR, p < 0.001).
Fixation stability parameters improved with increases in P1 and P2 and reductions in Bivariate Contour Ellipse Area.
Quality of life scores improved significantly in 9 out of 11 domains measured by NEI-VFQ-25.

Abstract

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of severe visual acuity loss in individuals over 60 with increasing prevalence. Currently, no effective treatments exist for geographic atrophy and macular scarring, highlighting the need for visual rehabilitation in these patients. Microperimetry offers functional assessment at any AMD stage and employs fixation training to help patients utilize the most effective retinal areas for vision. Methods: A prospective study involving 25 patients (50 eyes) aged 67 to 90. The MAIA II microperimeter assessed scotoma size and location, retinal sensitivity, macular integrity, fixation parameters (P1, P2, 63%BCEA, 95%BCEA), fixation stability, and preferred retinal locus. Quality of life was evaluated using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). A subgroup with inactive AMD-related macular changes, either bilateral geographic atrophy (13 patients, 26 eyes) or bilateral scarring (12 patients, 24 eyes), was identified, all exhibiting bilateral absolute central scotomas of at least 2 degrees. Each patient completed 10 fixation training sessions with a microperimeter, training the eye with better acuity weekly. One-week post-training, a functional assessment was performed on both trained and untrained eyes. Results: Fixation training significantly improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in trained eyes (mean change −0.14 logMAR, p < 0.001, large effect size) and also in fellow untrained eyes (−0.16 logMAR, p < 0.001). BNVA improved from 2.25 to 1.86 in trained eyes (p < 0.001) and from 2.96 to 2.76 in untrained eyes (p = 0.004). Fixation stability parameters improved significantly, including increases in P1 and P2 and reductions in Bivariate Contour Ellipse Area (BCEA). Quality of life measured using the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire improved significantly in 9 of 11 domains. Conclusions: Microperimetry may be a valuable tool for assessing visual function in AMD patients. Fixation training with the MAIA II microperimeter is both safe and effective for vision rehabilitation in those with geographic atrophy and macular scarring.

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